Device for joining a bar end to a basic bar

ABSTRACT

A device for joining a steering bar end piece to a basic steering bar comprises a basic steering bar clamp and a steering bar end piece clamp, the latter being arranged relative to the basic steering bar clamp in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the steering bar end piece clamp does not intersect the outline of the basic steering bar clamp, the two clamps being connected by a transition piece. 
     In order to provide steering bar end pieces which are ergonomically shaped to put enough pressure on the front wheel of a bicycle on hard climbs, and yet obtain an unrestricted gripping space and a bar width which is not unduly increased, the transition piece is contiguous to the side of the basic steering bar clamp facing away from the basic steering bar, and extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the basis steering bar clamp, and has the steering bar end piece clamp located on the side facing away from the basic steering bar.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for joining a bar end to abasic bar which is comprised of a basic bar clamp and a bar end clamp,the latter being offset from the basic bar clamp in such a way that thelongitudinal axis of the bar end clamp does not intersect the outline ofthe basic bar clamp, the two clamps being connected by means of atransition piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bar ends mounted to a basic bar provide the rider with a variety of handpositions permitting aggressive yet relaxed riding. Conventional barends are clamped to the ends of a basic bar by securing them either tothe inside or the outside of the basic bar. The internal clamping methodmay use an expanding collet inside the bar tube to fix the bar end inposition. Overtightening the expanding collet may cause the bar tube toburst. In addition, the internal clamp has the drawback of increasingthe width of the handlebar by a couple of centimeters. Shortening thebar tube does not help, because grip width is lost resulting in unsteadysteering. With the external clamp method, the basic bar width is notaltered. However, the hand space available on the bar is reduced by thewidth of the clamp securing the bar ends to the handlebar's ends. Thereduction can be 4 to 5 cm. With conventional bar ends, the basic barclamp and the bar end tube are generally a one-piece component, thelongitudinal axis of the clamp intersecting the; axis of the bar endwithin the contour of the bar clamp. On very steep hill climbs, wherethe center of gravity is moved to the rear of the bicycle, the frontwheel is likely to lift off. Under extreme conditions and during longclimbs, conventional bar ends, although being able to push the rider'sweight forward with the help of a forward hand position, partly fail toput enough pressure onto the front wheel to avoid a wheelie and fail toallow riding in a relaxed position, as the rider's arms are considerablyangled.

For this reason, it has already been suggested to position the bar endsdownward of the basic bar in order to increase the pressure on the froutin an effort to avoid a wheelie. According to the suggestion, anexternal clamp is fitted on its circumference with a connecting piecefacing downward to which a bar end clamp is attached radially. Thesuggested configuration has the same drawback as the external clampdescribed previously. It does not allow to grip the handlebar at itsextreme ends. Furthermore, the lack of ergonomic design makes the handssore and numb, especially on long rides.

Therefore, it is the intent of the present invention to provide a devicefor joining a bar end to a basic bar which enables to put enoughpressure onto the front wheel during hard climbing and which, inaddition, is ergonomically designed and offers multiple grip positions.Furthermore, it is the intent of the present invention not to restrictthe hand space on the handlebar and not to increase the handlebar'swidth needlessly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, this task is solved byarranging the transition piece in such a way that

it is contiguous to the side of the basic bar clamp which faces awayfrom the basic bar (called "outward face" in the following),

it extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebasic bar clamp, and

it has the bar end clamp located on the side which faces away from thebasic bar.

The lowered grip position on the bar ends helps to push the center ofgravity to the front and to straighten the arms on hard climbs, therebyincreasing riding comfort. Even on flat stretches, the rider is able tomaintain an aero position due to the lowered hand position on the barends. The joining device in accordance with the present inventionprovides hand positions which overlap at the extreme end of the basicbar and at the rear section of the bar end. As a result, the grip spaceis not restricted and the basic bar is not lengthened. By arranging thebar end clap on the side of the transition piece, neither the transitionpiece nor the bar end clamp interfere with the hand positions at thebasic bar's extreme ends. The arrangement of the bar end in accordancewith the present invention also permits to grip the handlebar from theside. By positioning the bar end clamp in an outward direction of andaway from the basic bar clamp, a hand position at the rear of the barend is provided which permits stronger pulling on climbs. Due to thefact that both a basic bar clamp and a bar end clamp is provided, athree-dimensional alignment is possible by simply turning the joiningdevice. In addition, the bar ends can be replaced in order to meet therider's individual requirements.

Another favorable embodiment of the present invention is comprised of asealing cap which adjoins the outward face of the basic bar clamp, theoutward side of the transition piece as well as the portion of the barend clamp that faces the basic bar axis. By using the sealing cap, handcomfort is increased. Protrusions or irregularities are covered up toprevent bruising the hands. In addition, by using a sealing cap of thiskind, there is no need for a solid configuration of the area covered bythe cap. As a result, a lightweight component can be obtained.

Preferably, the upper edge of the outward face of the basic bar clampwhich is essentially perpendicular to the bar clamp's axis lies in aplane tangent to the side of the bar end clamp that faces the basic barclamp and is also essentially perpendicular to the basic bar clamp axis.Due to the special geometry, the bar end clamp is inclined relative tothe basic bar clamp, ensuring unrestricted gripping of the bar ends andquick grip changes between the basic bar and the bar ends. The sealingcap extends from the upper edge of the bar clamp's outer face in a slopedown to the bar end clamp sealing it off tangentially.

Inserted into the basic bar clamp is a sleeve which receives the basicbar and is slipped under the rubber grip. It also serves to strengthenthe extreme end of the basic bar.

A favorable embodiment of the basic bar clamp is provided with a clampslot on the rear (facing the driver) which extends across toward thelongitudinal axis of the basic bar clamp, the appropriate clamping bolthole being essentially perpendicular to it. This arrangement results ina symmetric clamp. A basic bar clap of this kind does not interfere withgripping, allowing the driver to grip beyond the basic bar clamp. Bypositioning the clamping bolt perpendicular to the clamp slot, aneffective and reliable symmetric clamp is obtained for securing thebasic bar.

The symmetric bar end clamp has a clamp slot located in the peripherythat faces toward the longitudinal axis of the basic bar clamp. Theappropriate clamping bolt hole is perpendicular to it. This skillfulconfiguration does not interfere with gripping. In addition, theclamping bolt is located in an area which is covered by the sealing cap.It is favorable to provide the clamp slot of the bar end clamp with aninclination relative to the basic bar clamp and to have it intersect thelongitudinal axis of the bar end clamp, as this serves to increase theclamping effect.

In order to strengthen the joining device, the section accommodating thebolt hole of the bar end clamp may be reinforced by radially extendingribs. In addition, the contour of the transition piece, facing away fromthe basic bar clamp may have the shape of reinforcement ribs.

For an improved ergonomic design, the surface extending from the area ofthe basic bar clamp, which faces away from the driver, to the area ofthe sealing cap, which faces away from the driver, may be S-shaped. Asurface shaped like this ideally fits the grasping hand which--startingwith the little finger--describes a spiral curve up to the ball ofthumb. By providing the extreme basic bar ends with a surface to fit thecontours of the hand, they can be gripped with increased hand comfort,as pressure points affecting the hands are eliminated.

The clamp slot of the bar end clamp may serve as an index for a scalefitted to the rear of the bar end. It ensures equal adjustment andalignment of the two bar ends. When replacing bar ends, an accurateangular alignment is also ensured.

The bar end clamped by the joining device may be shaped in such a waythat a first straight section which represents the first hand positionis followed by a bend at an angle of 3 to 6 degree, preferably 4degrees. This bend is followed by another bend pointing to the samedirection. Another straight section representing another hand positionfollows up. The 3 to 6 degree bend, preferably a 4 degree bend, allowsquick and easy changes of hand positions. The bend can also be used forpositioning the hand. It fits the hand contour snugly, thereby causingthe hand to turn inward which improves the position or the hand, i.e.the angle at the wrist.

The sleeve used in the basic bar clamp may be provided with a flattenedsection on the outside. The edge which faces toward the joining devicemay meet flush with the face of the basic bar clamp facing toward thebar. A rubber grip may be installed on the enlarged surface. By doingso, the basic bar clamp face can be perfectly matched, and the gripspace increased in this section of the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosures of the present invention are further described anddepicted by the following figures.

FIG. 1 Discloses a simplified front view of the basic principleunderlying the joining device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 Discloses a perspective drawing of an embodiment of the joiningdevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 Discloses a perspective rear view of the joining device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 Discloses a perspective drawing of a side view of the joiningdevice without sealing cap in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 Discloses an exploded view of the rear of a bar end.

FIG. 6 Discloses a top view of a preferred embodiment of a bar end inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7a Discloses a cross-sectional view of the basic bar clamp area ofthe joining device.

FIG. 7b Discloses line 7b--7b of FIG. 7a in cross section.

FIG. 8a Discloses a rear view of the bar end clamp seen in direction ofarrow VIII of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8b Discloses a top view of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9a Discloses the position of the bar end clamp slot in a rear viewof the joining device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9b Discloses the position of the bar end clamp slot in a frontview.

FIG. 10 Discloses a clamping sleeve in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a simplified front view of the basic principle underlyingthe joining device in accordance with the present invention. The joiningdevice 1 features a basic bar clamp 2 which serves to secure joiningdevice 1 to the end of a basic bar 16. Inserted into the basic bar clamp2 is a thin-walled sleeve 11 which serves to receive basic bar 16. Thedashed line shows how far sleeve 11 extends into basic bar clamp 2. Thesleeve's end facing away from the basic bar clamp has a tapered section11a which enables the sleeve to be secured on the handlebar and easilyslipped under the rubber grips (not shown) at the ends of the handlebar.The configuration shown for bar clamp 2 and sleeve 11 provides a rathersmooth and clean transition from the clamp to the bar which is obtainedby installing a rubber grip over sleeve 11 in such a way as to make itflush with the bar clamp outer surface. Due to the smooth transition,the rider is able to grip the extreme ends of the handlebar with thepalm of the hands which are not affected by pressure points orirregularities on the surface.

Contiguous to the face of bar clamp 2 that points away from basic bar 16(called outward face) is a transition piece 4, its longitudinal axisextending downward from and essentially perpendicular to the axis LB ofbasic bar clamp 2. The bar end clamp 3 adjoins the side of transitionpiece 4 that faces away from basic bar 16. The term "essentiallyperpendicular" is used to denote that, by means of transition piece 4,bar end clamp 3 is offset downward. It is also possible to position thetransition piece relative to the basic bar clamp at an angle smaller orgreater than 90 degrees. As is evident from FIG. 1, due to theconfiguration of basic bar clamp 3, the complete bar width is availablefor gripping, no gripping space is lost because of the bar clamp, andthere is enough room for the little finger.

The hatched area 5 designates a sealing cap which adjoins the outwardface 2a of basic bar clamp 2, the side of transition piece 4 that facesaway from the basic bar, as well as the periphery of bar end clamp 3that points to the axis LB. By offsetting basic bar clamp 2 and bar endclamp 3, optimum grip width is provided for hard pulling action, evenwhen gripping the extreme rear of the bar end. The sealing cap 5 alsoallows ergonomically correct gripping from the side. Distance A betweenthe centerlines of clamp 2 and 3 ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm, preferablyfrom 4 to 5 cm. Bar end clamp 3 has a clamp slot 7. For the embodimentshown, the upper edge K of the basic bar clamp face which is essentiallyperpendicular to the axis LB lies on a tangent which meets the bar endclamp 3 and is essentially perpendicular to the basic bar clamp axis LB.The joining device in accordance with the present invention has theeffect that the hand positions at the extreme end of the basic bar andat rite rear of the bar end overlap. Since the basic bar 16 can beinserted far into the bar clamp 2 as depicted by the dotted section inFIG. 1, the width of the basic bar 16 is only slightly increased, theincrease amounting to 24 mm for instance. The basic bar clamp itself isnarrow, having a width of no more than 12 to 16 mm, preferably 14 mm.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the joining device 1 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Bar end 12 is secured bybar end clamp 3 having clamp slot 7. As previously described, a sleeve11 extends beyond basic bar clamp 2 and is intended to receive basic bar16. A plastic cap 5 covers the area extending between the outward faceof basic bar clamp 2, the adjacent part of transition piece 4, and theperiphery of the bar end clamp facing toward the basic bar clamp axis.

The surface of the joining device is shaped to fit the contour of thehand. The grasping hand forms a spiral curve extending from the littlefinger to the ball of the thumb. A simple test by watching a graspinghand will prove the point. In order to give the hand a snug fit on thecontour of the joining device., the surface extending from the front ofbasic bar clamp 2 (facing away from the driver) to the portion ofsealing cap 5 that faces away from basic bar clamp 16 is provided withan S-shaped curve, as depicted by the cloned line 5 in FIG. 2. Thespiral curve extends to point P for the embodiment of the presentinvention of which a rear view is shown in FIG. 3. Point P isessentially on the same level as the upper edge K of the bar clap faceso that, trader extreme conditions, the hand may grip beyond bar clamp 2toward point P on sealing cap 5. The dashed line 22 marks the rear edgeof cap 5 which together with the face of bar end 12 and the face of barend clamp 13 forms an essentially straight plane which extendsessentially parallel to the axis LB of the basic bar clamp. Beginning atpoint P and the dotted line S, cap 5 slopes down to bar end clamp 3 andmeets the cylindrical configuration of bar end clamp 3 tangentially. Forthe embodiment shown the face upper edge K of basic bar clamp 2 lies inthe plane E, which is essentially perpendicular to axis LB of basic barclamp 2 as well as tangent to the bar end clamp side facing basic barclamp 2.

For another embodiment, the face upper edge K may lie in a differentplane which may intersect the bar end clamp or may run parallel to atangent from the bar end clamp, if required due to the dimensions of theclamps or the distance between clamps 2 and 3.

As shown clearly in FIG. 2, the area B located on the front side oftransition piece 4 (facing away from the driver) is positioned wellabove the bar end clamp edge H facing bar end 12 in order to provide therear part of the palm with a surface to which the hand fits snugly whengripping the bar end in the rear. In addition, the rounded shape of thearea which extends upward prevents hand soreness and keeps the wristessentially free.

FIGS. 2 and 3 clearly show clamp slots 7 and 6 of clamps 2 and 3respectively. On basic bar clamp 2, slot 6 is located facing the driverand extending across toward the longitudinal axis LB of basic bar clamp2. The clamp bolt hole is essentially perpendicular to it.

FIG. 7a shows a cross sectional view of basic bar clamp 2. A banjo boltis used for improved clamping effect. Without a protruding head, thebolt is inserted in hole 22 and sealed off with a plastic plug 21, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which results in a smooth surface mid improvedhand comfort. The clamping elements are pressed together symmetricallyby means of a clamping bolt. FIG. 7b shows a cross section along theline 7b--7b of FIG. 7a. Bolt hole 22 and cavity 23 of basic bar clamp 2,into which sleeve 11 and basic bar 16 are inserted, are clearly visible.

Bar end clamp 3 has a clamp slot 7 which is located in the section ofthe bar end clamp that extends toward the longitudinal axis or basic barclamp 2. The clamp bolt hole is essentially perpendicular to the slot.For the present embodiment, however, it is particularly favorable toincline clamp slot 7 toward basic bar clamp 2, as is visible in FIG. 3.It is of further advantage to have the slot intersect the longitudinalaxis LH of bar end clamp 3.

FIGS. 9a and 9b clearly show the position of slot 7. FIG. 9a shows arear view of basic bar clamp 2 with a cavity 23. In addition, cavity 24of bar end clamp 3 is shown which receives the bar end tube. Aspreviously described, the two clamps 2 and 3 are connected by memos oftransition piece 4. Bar end clamp 3 has slot 7, and clamping bolt hole25 is perpendicular to it. This symmetric clamp too, uses a banjo boltfor clamping because of the advantages previously described. The crosssection of transition piece 4 surrounding bolt hole 25 is increased.FIGS. 9a and 9b clearly show the inclination of clamp slot 7 whichintersects axis LH of bar end clamp 3. Slot 7 is more to the left of theclamp axis in the front view drawing of FIG. 9b, and more to the otherside of the axis in the rear view drawing of FIG. 9a. By inclining theslot in direction of basic bar clamp 2 and by having it intersect theaxis LH of bar end clamp 3, both the clamping strength and the rigidityare improved. When comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, the inclination of slot 7 isclearly visible. In FIGS. 3, clamp slot 7 is to the left of axis LHtoward the basic bar. Whereas in FIG. 2, slot 7' projected relative tothe bar end axis LH shows clamp slot 7 to be inclined away from thebasic bar clamp in this area of the bar end axis.

For a special embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b , the axis of the barend clamp is not perpendicular to the basic bar clamp, but is inclinedrelative to clamp 2 at an angle of 17 degrees for example. FIG. 8a showsa rear view of the bar end clamp and FIG. 8b a top view of FIG. 8a. FIG.4 shows a perspective side view of the joining device 1 in accordancewith the present invention without sealing cap 5. As previouslydescribed, basic bar clamp 2 has a cavity 23 to receive sleeve 11 andbar end clamp 3 has a cavity 24 to receive bar end 12. Banjo bolt 26serves to clamp the bar end clamp together across slot 7 in order tohold bar end 12 firmly. Bolt 26 is inserted into a section of transitionpiece 4 that is provided with radial reinforcement ribs 8 to increasethe rigidity of joining device 1 which is not a solid configuration. Thecontour 8B of the portion of the device that extends away from basic bar16 may be shaped like reinforcement ribs. Due to the fact that the wholearea between basic bar clamp 2, transition piece 4, and bar end clamp 3facing the basic bar axis, is not made of solid material, but isdesigned to save material and weight by the use of reinforcing ribs, ajoining device is obtained which is both light and rigid.

For installation on the joining device 1, sealing cap 5 is provided witha loop which is located in the plane of slot 6.

By engaging the loop in slot 6, the sealing cap can easily be secured bymeans of the clamping bolt. It is also possible to provide the inside ofsealing cap 5 and the outward rim of the joining device 1 withadditional pin-type elements which engage and hold sealing cap 5 inposition.

The configuration in accordance with the present invention allows thejoining device to be machined as a one-piece component from the solid bycutting, drilling, and sawing. The component can also be produced by dieforging, using the 6000 and 7000 series aluminum alloys to save as muchweight as possible. Die casting is another suitable process forproducing the joining device of the present configuration. Suitablematerials are thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers for furtherweight reduction. For the plastic version, the basic bar clamp and thesleeve are fixed in position by splines.

FIG. 3 clearly shows that, on the rear (facing the driver), basic barclamp 2 adjoins the essentially straight inward face of joining device 1in a way as to form an edge which extends upward along the circumferenceof basic bar clamp 2. This edge serves to confine the rubber grip which,being installed on sleeve 11, is flush with the edge, making the basicbar surface perfectly smooth for high gripping comfort (unrestrictedgripping action).

As shown in FIG. 3, a scale 10 is provided on the, rear of bar end 12 toenable accurate alignment of bar end 12 relative to joining device 1.For this purpose, bar end clamp slot 7 serves as an index. Details ofthis configuration are shown in FIG. 5. Bar end 12 is provided with anotch 27. Cap 13 is fitted with a pin which engages notch 27 in order tosecure and align cap 13 on bar end 12. There is a rim provided aroundcap 13 onto which a recessed dial 15 is installed. Its recess matchesthe rim of cap 13, thereby ensuring accurate alignment of thegraduations. After insertion into joining device 1, bar end 12 is madeflush with the rear of the joining device mid slot 7 by means of thedial so that misalignment due to parallax is avoided.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a favorable embodiment of a bar end 12 inaccordance with the present invention. This bar end is characterized bya 3 to 6 degree bend 18, preferably a 4 degree bend (α), which follows astraight section 17 providing a principal hand position. The length ofthe straight section 17 is 6 to 9 cm, preferably 7.6 cm, that of the 4degree bend 18 is 2 to 4 cm, preferably 3 cm. Following bend 18 is asecond bend 19a which is bent in the same direction as section 18. Theangle is between 50 and 60 degrees, preferably 57 degrees (β), relativeto section 18. Following bend 19a is a straight section 19. Its lengthis 3 to 5 cm, preferably 4.5 cm. Section 19 is followed by a bend of 110to 140 degrees, preferably 132 degrees (γ), which is ended by a finalsection 29 having a length of 1 to 4 cm, preferably 2 cm. Theoutstanding feature of this bar end is the approx. 4 degree bend 18which is located between the principal hand positions on sections 17 and19, thereby giving the bar end an improved fit to the contour of thehand.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of sleeve 11 in accordance with thepresent invention. The sleeve is characterized by a flattened section 20extending radially on part of the circumference. With the sleeveinstalled in the basic bar clamp, the edge 20b matches the upper edge ofthe bar clamp's face pointing toward the basic bar, thereby increasingthe gripping area at the bar clamp for improved gripping action.

The previously described characteristics of the different embodiments ofthe joining device in accordance with the present invention may be usedin any given combination.

I claim:
 1. A joining device for joining a steering bar end piece to abasic steering bar comprising:a basic steering bar clamp and a steeringbar end piece clamp; the steering bar end piece clamp being offset fromthe basic steering bar clamp such that the longitudinal axis of thesteering bar end piece clamp does not intersect a contour of the basicsteering bar clamp, the basic steering bar clamp and the steering barend piece clamp being connected by means of a transition piece; thetransition piece (4) being contiguous to a side (2a) of the basicsteering bar clamp (2) which faces away from a basic steering bar (16)insertable into the basic steering bar clamp (2); the transition piece(4) extends such that it offsets the steering bar end piece clamp (3)from a longitudinal axis (LB) of the basic steering bar clamp (2); andthe steering bar end piece clamp (3) is located on a side of thetransition piece (4) facing away from the basic steering bar (16)insertable into the basic steering bar clamp (2).
 2. A joining device ofclaim 1, wherein a sealing cap (5) adjoins the side (2a) of the basicsteering bar clamp (2) that faces away from the basic steering bar (16),adjoins the side of the transition piece (4) that faces away from thebasic steering bar (16), and adjoins a portion of the steering bar endpiece clamp (3) that faces toward the longitudinal axis (LB) of thebasic steering bar clamp (2).
 3. A joining device of claim 2, wherein anupper edge (K) of the side (2a) of the basic steering bar clamp (2)facing away from the basic steering bar (16), extends essentiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LB) of the basic steering barclamp (2), lies in a plane tangent to the side of the steering bar endpiece clamp (3) facing the basic steering bar clamp (2), and isessentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LB) of the basicsteering bar clamp (2).
 4. A joining device of claim 3, wherein thesealing cap (5) extends from the upper edge (K) of the side (2a) of thebasic steering bar clamp (2) in a slope down to the basic steering barend piece clamp (3) and tangentially terminates therewith.
 5. A joiningdevice of claim 4 further comprising a surface extending from acircumferential area of the basic steering bar clamp (2) facing awayfrom the steering bar end piece clamp (3), to an area of the sealing cap(5) facing away from the basic steering bar (16) has a spiral shape. 6.A joining device of claim 1, wherein a sleeve (11) for receiving thebasic steering bar (16) extends into the basic steering bar clamp (2).7. A joining device of claim 6 wherein an outside portion of the sleeve(11) is provided with an area (20) extending radially outwardly, an edge(20b) of said area (20) matches a face of the basic steering bar clamp(2) directed toward the basic steering bar (16).
 8. A joining device ofclaim 1, wherein the basic steering bar clamp (2) has a first clamp slot(6) on a side opposite to an insertion side of the steering bar endpiece (12) into the steering bar end piece clamp (3), said first clampslot (6) extends essentially transversely with respect to thelongitudinal axis (LB) of the basic steering bar clamp (2), a first hole(22) for a clamping bolt being essentially perpendicular to said firstclamp slot (6).
 9. A joining device of claim 8, wherein the steering barend piece clamp (3) has a second clamp slot (7) located on a peripheralarea of the steering bar end piece clamp (3), said second clamp slotextends toward the longitudinal axis (LB) of the basic steering bar endpiece clamp (2), a second hole (25) for a clamping bolt beingessentially perpendicular to said second clamp slot (7).
 10. A joiningdevice of claim 9 further comprising radially outwardly extendingreinforcing ribs (8) in an area where the second hole (25) of thesteering bar end piece clamp (3) is located, and reinforcing ribs inouter contours of an area of the transition piece (4) facing away fromthe basic steering bar clamp (2).
 11. A joining device of claim 9further comprising a scale (15) affixed to a rear of a steering bar endpiece (12), said scale (15) being indexable by the second clamp slot (7)of the steering bar end piece clamp (3).
 12. A joining device of claim11 wherein the steering bar end piece (12) has a shape comprising afirst straight section (17) which represents a first hand position,following by a bend piece (18) bent at 3 to 6 degrees, followed byanother bend piece (19a ) bent in the same direction, followed by asecond straight section (19) which represents another hand position. 13.A joining device of claim 9 further comprising reinforcing ribs in anouter contour of an area of the transition piece (4) facing away fromthe basic steering bar clamp (2).
 14. A joining device of claim 1,wherein the second clamp slot (7) of the steering bar end piece clamp(3) inclines in a direction of the basic steering bar clamp (2) andintersects the longitudinal axis (LH) of the steering bar end piececlamp (3).